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Editor's Note
Relief and recovery are on the way! Some of the stimulus money has already begun to reach food stamps and other families' pockets; some is in the bank ready to flow to states and communities. Check our section on what's available and how to use it to target needy families while boosting economic growth.
Meanwhile, we're waiting for the next shoe to drop -- this year's budget. Both Houses of Congress passed their blueprints last week and are negotiating a final budget resolution to set parameters for the appropriations process. Those wanting health care reform and fiscal responsibility are watching what happens to reconciliation instructions, which will have a big impact on whether Congress includes revenue-raisers in the budget along with the spending targets.
You'll find information on these and other key topics: helping young families, what marks charter schools are earning, why states need to revamp their child care laws and ways to make a difference in April.
CFK gathers, synthesizes and promotes the best news, research, and stories from the child and youth field. To suggest content, email weekly@connectforkids.org
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In Memorium: Jane Knitzer
 I just learned that Jane Knitzer died on March. 29, 2009. She was the director of the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) from 2005 to 2009, and once led the Citizens Committee for the Children of New York. During the 1970s, she worked in juvenile justice at the Children's Defense Fund. She was a wonderful advocate and we'd like to dedicate this issue to Jane Knitzer and her work.
- Jan Richter
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 New on Connectforkids.org
When Tax Time Brings Relief: the EITC and Working Parents
Filing tax forms may not be much fun for anyone, but it can bring relief to struggling families, especially during these tight times. The federal Earned Income Tax Credit lifts more than 4 million people-over half of them children-out of poverty each year; it's the nation's most effective antipoverty program for working families.
Youth Video Draws Obama to 'Early College' School
How
a student YouTube posting brought top-level attention to a growing
initiative that connects disadvantaged youth to college
campuses -- Jamaal Abdul-Alim of Youth Today
reports.
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News from Washington
President Obama may be traveling the world, but that hasn't stopped things from moving forward on Capitol Hill -- here are some of the latest developments that impact children, youth and families.
A Boost for the White House Office on Children and Youth
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) sent a letter calling on President Obama to establish a White House office "dedicated to meeting the needs and improving the lives of America's children." The Campaign for a White Office on Children and Youth says that the vast majority of federal programs serving children and youth are essential and effective, but lack an integrated, strategic plan. This office could provide young people a voice and coordinate leadership across 12 federal departments and agencies.
Key Senators Introduce Juvenile Justice Reauthorization Bill
On March 24, Senators Pat Leahy, Arlen Specter, Herb Kohl and Richard Durbin, introduced juvenile justice legislation, aiding efforts to bring child welfare and juvenile justice systems together to improve outcomes for children and youth through improved coordination, procedures and protocols.
A Bipartisan "Miracle" -- the Serve America Bill to Become Law
Before leaving for a one-week recess, Congress passed a bill that significantly expands national service programs. President Obama is expected to sign the bill when he returns to Washington this week.
Feeding Our Future -- Growing Up Healthy with WIC
Child Nutrition programs, including the popular WIC program, are up for reauthorization this year. This Children's HealthWatch reports what doctors and WIC staff are seeing as the recession deepens.
EPA To Begin Monitoring Air around Schools
 Even
if yours isn't one of the 62 targeted schools, you can check on your
school's environmental air quality in this interactive feature from USA Today, which connects you to the EPA data.
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The Buzz on the Budget
Budget Resolution Goes to Conference Committee
 Last week, the House and Senate approved their respective versions of the FY2010 budget resolution. The House would allocate $7 billion less in discretionary spending than the President has asked for, whereas the Senate proposes $15 billion less, according to the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA).
Beyond the spending differences, the House resolution provides for a reconciliation process to pass health insurance and education reforms, but the Senate does not This means a health insurance reform proposal, as well as other proposals, such as a cap and trade system on energy policy and changes to student loans, could be filibustered and stopped with 40 votes.
Resources:
- The CWLA has details on the reconciliation and a provision that would create a home visiting program.
- What's likely to be the biggest issue in the conference agreement negotiations? Find out in this Kaiser Network article.
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Helping the Youngest Families
Addressing the Rise in Teen Childbearing
Several recent Child Trends studies focus on the news that the teenage birthrate is once again ticking upwards after years of decline -- in particular, check out the resources on fathers.
A Policy Platform to Promote Health and Success among Young Families
 Arguing that the special needs of young parents are often overlooked in family and youth policies, the Health Teen Network offers a comprehensive set of federal policy recommendations aimed at establishing or reforming public programs and systems that influence whether or not young families may achieve health and success after a teen birth.
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Stimulus Money -- Dare We Say it's Trickling Down?
As the stimulus funds flow to states, here's a round-up of policy options, analyses and tools to help advocates and policymakers put the money to work for children, families and communities.
Stimulus as Opportunity for Youth Workers
Scott Peterson, founder of Global Youth Justice, says the stimulus package may present an opportunity for staff working in local programs to help review competitive grant opportunities. To name just a few:
Spend the Stimulus Wisely -- Commentaries from Stakeholders
Some worthy reading for your quiet moments:
- National Governors Association's Ray Scheppach on the Stimulus and State Budgets. States are likely to face budget gaps of more than $250 billion through 2011. The stimulus funds can help stave off tax increases and spending cuts -- but states need to act wisely to strike the right balance between job creation, filling state budget gaps and maintaining program efficiency, Scheppach says in this Stateline.org column.
- Policy for Results has advice for making the most of the stimulus money to target vulnerable families.
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 The Early Years
We Can Do Better: 2009 Update
In revisiting state laws and regulations, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) found that, despite modest improvements, state standards are weak and state oversight is weaker.
2009 State of Preschool Yearbook
National Institute for Early Education Research finds that the recession has increased the likelihood of cuts in pre-k spending in several states. Find out if your state may be affected.
FasTracKids: The Results Are In
Preschool children in FasTracKids increased their vocabulary significantly and kindergarteners improved a grade level, according to Wellesley College's National Institute on Out-of-School Time evaluation of this program. FasTracKids is an innovative commercial curriculum that stresses creative problem solving and social skills.
In Illinois: Early Childhood Advocacy Day (April 22)
Dear readers in Illinois, it's not too late to join the Ounce of Prevention Fund events on Early Childhood Advocacy Day to help keep harmful cuts out of the state budget.
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Serving Children with Special Needs
 Leave among Parents of Children with Special Health Care Needs
Paid leave can improve outcomes for children with special health needs and their parents, according to this RAND report.
Child Welfare: The Challenges of Collaboration
When youth in the child welfare system face problems the agencies charged with their care often find that they do not have the capacity to act without the cooperation of other government departments. The trap gets tighter when parents have lost custody or are in the criminal justice system themselves. This Urban Institute book offers practical examples to guide child welfare service agencies through challenging scenarios.
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Ideas for Action -- Get Involved!
Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26)
Youth around the world will organize community service projects to address the needs of their local communities through service. Check out what's happening in your area or start something.
Week of the Young Child (April 19-25)
You can start planning now for public awareness events to bring your community together for young children -- check out this NAEYC site for tools, ideas and inspiration for your local events.
Run and Rally to Stop the Silence (April 19)
Register and/or volunteer for the Washington, DC Run and Rally to Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, April 19, 2009.
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Janis Richter and Thaddeus Ferber
Connect for Kids and the Forum for Youth Investment
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Subscribe to
AYPF Forum on the Dropout Challenge (April 17)
Find more on the Connect for Kids